Namakkal: Tamilaga Vettrik Kazhagam (TVK) MLA C S Dilip has stirred controversy after refusing to accept petitions from two elderly women seeking old age pensions during a recent visit to Azaghu Nagar in ward 34. The women approached Dilip on Friday with folded hands, but were stunned when he returned their petitions and asked them to come back next week after the inauguration of his MLA office.
MLA's Response to Petitioners
“The office is situated very close to your area. So, you come and give me the petitions after inaugurating the MLA office in a week’s time,” he reportedly told them before handing the petitions back. Residents condemned the MLA’s conduct and questioned his insensitivity and arrogance.
Public Outrage
“How could an elected representative turn away poor women who came with genuine needs? This is shameful,” said R Murugan, a local shopkeeper. K Meenakshi, another resident, added, “Old age pension is not a luxury, it is a matter of survival. To send them away empty-handed is cruel.” S Rajesh, a TVK supporter, stated, “We voted for him to listen to our problems, not to dismiss them with excuses. If he cannot accept petitions in person, what is the point of being an MLA?”
Another resident remarked that the refusal to accept petitions amounted to a betrayal of democratic responsibility and reflected a growing disconnect between politicians and the people they represent. “This is not about a petition. It is about respect for the poor and elderly. He failed them today,” said M Arumugam, a retired teacher.
MLA's Apology
When contacted, MLA Dilip apologized for his act. “I don’t have an office due to which I told them to bring the petitions after inaugurating the office and nothing intentional,” he explained. The incident has sparked debate about the accessibility and responsiveness of elected representatives in the region.
